Morley's Final Catalogue: Of but slightly less frequent occurrence than the preceeding two species; Copdock, on one occasion flying to light in a storm of wind and rain; Orford; Sotterly, Monks Soham; Brandon.

Recent Suffolk Status: Abundant.

Life history: Single-brooded. Occasional late records into October and November in recent times.

Identification: This species and the Uncertain are probably one of the most difficult pair of UK species to separate. There are characters that can be used to identify them, but some can be difficult to see on worn moths. Firstly, the Uncertain is usually the first species to appear on the wing in Suffolk, followed a few weeks later by the Rustic. The Rustic is normally plainer and greyer, with less contrasting colours. Rustic also has a more glossy forewing but the Uncertain can become glossy with wear. Uncertain normally has more obvious cross lines. Any moths where it is not possible to separate to a species are either best not recorded or recorded as aggregate.

Habitat: A wide variety of habitats including gardens.

Recorded in 54 (93%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1940. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

Exit Recorder